How are ticks dangerous for cats? - briefly
Ticks transmit pathogens—including Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella—that cause anemia, fever, and organ failure in cats, while their bite induces painful skin irritation and blood loss that can become life‑threatening if not promptly treated.
How are ticks dangerous for cats? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin, create a feeding wound, and introduce a range of pathogens. The immediate physical impact includes skin irritation, inflammation, and localized pain. Prolonged attachment can lead to anemia as the parasite consumes blood, especially in small or underweight animals.
The most serious threats stem from disease transmission. Commonly transmitted agents are:
- Bartonella henselae – causes feline bartonellosis, presenting with fever, lethargy, and lymph node enlargement.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – results in granulocytic anaplasmosis, with symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and reduced appetite.
- Ehrlichia spp. – produces ehrlichiosis, leading to weight loss, pale gums, and possible kidney damage.
- Babesia canis – although primarily a canine parasite, it can infect cats, causing hemolytic anemia and jaundice.
- Rickettsia spp. – may trigger rash, fever, and neurological signs.
Secondary complications arise when a tick is removed improperly. Incomplete extraction leaves mouthparts embedded, fostering bacterial infection and tissue necrosis. Allergic reactions to tick saliva can develop, ranging from mild dermal redness to severe systemic hypersensitivity.
Infestations also increase the risk of tick‑borne paralysis. Certain species secrete neurotoxins that impair neuromuscular transmission, producing progressive weakness that can culminate in respiratory failure if left untreated.
Preventive measures include regular inspection of the coat, especially after outdoor exposure, use of veterinarian‑approved acaricides, and environmental control of tick habitats. Early detection and prompt, complete removal reduce the likelihood of pathogen transmission and minimize the cat’s overall health risk.